Piston meter



June 4, 1935.

W. H. PARKER ET AL PISTON vMETER Filed May 19, 1931 4 Sheets-SheetA l o .J8 fr June 4, 1935. w. H. PARKER Er Al. 2,003,901

PISToN METER Filed May 19, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 \-f v I o Il@ June 4, 1935- H. PARKER Er AL 2,003,901

PISTON METER- Filed May 19, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 4, 1935.

W. H. PARKER El' AL 4 Sheets-Sheet .4

Patented June 4, 1935 UNITED STATES *PATENT OFFICE burgh, Pa., assignors to Pittsburgh Equitable Meter Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 19, 1931, Serial No. 538,545

4 Claims.

This` invention relates to iluid metering mechanism for accurately indicating the volume of fluid passing through theimeter. More particularly, the invention relates to Aiiuid metering 5 mechanisms of the double acting piston type.

Although this invention is not limited thereto, it is particularly adaptable for use with gasoline dispensing systems wherein the gasoline is adapted to be rapidly passed from a storage tank to tanks provided on automobiles or other vehicles. In the dispensing ,of gasoline, it is necessary that the metering mechanism be extremely accurate within small variations, since inaccurate mechanisms are condemned by the municipalities and may not be used until the inaccuracy is corrected and the meter re-tested. Furthermore due to the relative rough handling given these mechanisms by inexperienced operators, it is necessary that the parts'be strong and not easily de-ranged. Furthermore, thesemeters must be capable of large quantity production, and the parts must be readily exchangeable to, facilitate servicing of the meters. Y

A One object of this invention is to provide a rugged and accurate fluid meter of the piston type capable of quantity production at a reasonable cost, and the parts thereof being easily removable to facilitate repairs and replacements.

Another object of this invention is to provide 30 a iiu'id meter of the double acting piston type in which the pistons are caused to reciprocate by the pressure of the iiuid and wherein a calibrating device is provided which is readilyv accessible without disassembling any of the parts, whereby the accuracy of the metering mechanism may be easily corrected.

Another object of the invention is to provide a uid metering mechanism of the piston type, comprising two cylinders receiving measured 40 quantities of uid successively at both ends of the cylinders, whereby the iiow' of iiuid is substantially smooth, and wherein any dead center position of the pistons is` avoided.

A further object of .this invention is to provide a fluid measuring mechanism embodying double acting pistons in combination with a novel ro- .tary valve mechanism in which the uid is automatically admitted to and discharged from both .ends of each piston from a common source of supply to a common discharge connection.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel piston for association with a metering mechanism of the piston type in which leakage of the iiuid past the piston is avoided in a simple manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metering and dispensing mechanism of the double acting piston type embodying a rotary valve for controlling the ow of fluid, wherein the fluid ,being dispensed acts as a cushion and a lubricant for the moving parts and wherein the uid provides an eective seal around the rotary valve mechanism.

A further object of `the present invention is to provide fluid dispensing metering mechanisms of th'e double acting piston type wherein the pistons are so constructed and arranged that air pockets in the measuring chambers are avoided and accuracy of the mechanism is assured.

A further object of this invention is to provide a metering mechanism of the piston type wherein the registering dials may be readily attached to and detached from the metering mechanism by a simple connection which allows ra` dial adjustment of the indicating dials and movement.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a metering mechanism of the double acting piston type in which the pistons may be readily disconnected from the remaining mechanism through openings having readily removable covers'whereby the pistons may be disconnected from the meter without disassembling thevmechanism as a whole.

A further object of this invention isthe provision of a sealing device for use in connection with a piston type metering mecha- 1 nism for uid in which the seal between the piston and its, cylinder wall is obtained by a novel form of leather gasket provided with a support wherein the leather is prevented from rolling back upon itself to'cause a binding action with regard tothe cylinder wall, and yet in which an eflicientl seal is always provided.

A further object of this invention is provision of a fluid metering mechanism of the double acting piston type in combination with a rotary valve for distributing the uid, the pistons being connected to a common crank shaft with their crank arms apart, the rotary valve mechanism being so arranged that the liquid is forced into and measuredby the cylinder on both sides of the piston, and is sp timed'that as one end of each cylinder is taking liquid in, the other end is discharging it.

A further object of the present invention is to providea liquid measuring apparatus of the pismeasured and wherein the liquid, acts as a seal to prevent escape of pressure, and to prevent excessive Wear. c

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid measuring mechanism of the piston type embodying a closed chamber having reciprocating pistons therein, the casing being provided with easily accessible drain plugs wherein all of the uid may be drained from the measuring mechanism when desired without disconnecting any of the operative parts of the same.

These and various other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and appended claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings where- Figure 1 is a section taken through ythe central line of the crank shaft of the meter, substantially on line I-I of Figure 4.

Figure 2 is a cross-section through one piston and cylinder, the rotary valve and its gear drive mechanism being shown in elevation.

I Figure 3 is a sectional view through the valve, the valve bearing, and the valve port, substantially on line 3-3 of Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a top plan of the meterwith the registering mechanism disconnected therefrom.

Figure 5 is a top plan of the main casing with all covers removed and with 'the valve mechanism removed.

Figure 6 is an end view of the casing shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a sectional view thereof taken on line l-'I of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an elevation of the cover member adapted to close the end of the casing shown in Figure 6. y

' Figures 9 and 10 are a top plan and bottom plan, respectively, of the removable valve seat member on an enlarged scale;l

Figure 11 is a top plan on an enlarged scale of the rotary valve `member with the driving gear thereof partly shown.

Figure 12 is a sectional view thereof taken substantially on line I2I2 of Figure l1 with the driving gear removed.

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially on lines I3-I3 of Figure 11 with the driving gear removedf I Figures 14 and 15 are a top plan and vertical section respectively of the 'ported-bearing for thez rotary valve.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the eccentric bushing for adjustably Supporting the crank pin of one piston.

Figure 17 is a-broken section throughoone cylinder showing a'modifled form of piston.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate' like parts in the several views, the main bodyof the meter comprises a` ported casting I2, shown in plan in Figure 5. As seen in Figures 5 and 6, the casting I2 is provided with a plane upper surface having a series of ports therein leading into the hollow interior of the casting.. The casting is provided with an inlet connection I3 commu- .Y

nicating with ,a vertically extending substantially rectangular passageway I4. The casting I2 is further provided with. an outlet connection I5 extending from one. side face and communicating with a chamber I6 (see Figure 3) which in turn is in communication with vertically ex- 'tending chamber I1.

The castingz I2 is further provided, with vtwo parallel `cylinders I8 whichA open into the end face to which the outlet opening I5 is connected. The open rear ends of the cylinders I8 communicate with individual chambers I9 which partly surround the vertical passageway I4 as seen more clearly in Figure 7. Each chamber I9 communicates with an opening 22 through `the upper face of the casting l2.

The Iend of casting I2 through which thevoutlet connection I5 extends is normally closed by a cylinder head 23 provided with bolt holes in alignment with similar threaded holes in the casting I2 for securing' the cylinder head in fluid tight engagement with the casting. Cylinder head 23 has two recesses 24 therein in alignment with the open ends of cylinders I8, each recess being provided with a connecting recess 25. Each recess 25 aligns with the open end-of its chamber 26 in casting I2, and chambers 2B have openings 21 and 28 through the "upper face of the casting I2. As seen in Figure 5 the openings 21 and 28 are arranged close together, one opening being radially spaced from'v the other.

Each cylinder I8 has a-removable non-corrosive lining 30 therein; such as brass or bronze in which piston 29 reciprocates, the linings being sweated or otherwise secured in position. The pistons 29 are similar. in construction and one only will be described. Each piston 29 preferably includes a body portion '32 and a follower 33, the body portion 32 being formed of bronze Yor some similar relatively hard and non-corrosive metal and the follower being formed of aluminum, zinc or some relatively light non-corrosive metal.

The body 32 includes a radial surface provided With a plurality of`lugs 34 adapted to receive securing bolts 35a which connect the follower 33 to the body 32. The body 32 is further provided with a central outwardly extending lug 35 which projects beyond the head of the piston as seen in Figure 2, andis adapted to receive the wrist pin 36 for securing a connecty ing rod 31 to 'the piston. The projecting lugs 35 of the piston body are adapted to project into the chamber 24 in the cylinder head 23 to fa- )cilitate assembly and disassembly of the parts.

When the cylinder head 23 isremoved, the wrist pin, 36 may be readily disconnected since the wrist pin and the lug 35 project clear 0f the cylinder wall. Therefore the piston may be easily disconnected from its connecting rod 31. c Each connecting rod 31 has an opening in its opposite end for the reception of a crank pin 38 \55 as described `hereinafter more fully.

As seen in Figure 2, the piston body 32 has a relatively wide groove cutl inthe perimeter thereof for the reception of sealing means. This sealing means is of novel construction and forms an important feature of this invention. Within the groove in the body portion 32` is positioned two flexible sealing rings 39 preferably of leather 'or'the like which are positioned on opposite sides of a central retaining ring 42, which has its opposite faces curved whereby the flexible rings 39 are bent to face in opposite directions. Within the groove provided in the body 32 and beneath the overhanging portions of thesealing rings 39 are coiled springs v43 which are retained in position partly by the metal retaining ring 42 and partly by curved metallic washers 44.,

seating against the leather rings 39. When theA sealing device has been assembled i--as-aboye de-A scribed, th'e bolts 35 whichgs'ecre-:the body 32,.

" against a gasket.

to the follower 33 also secure the sealing device as assembled in the groove of ythe body of the piston, as seen in Figure 2.

The curved surfaces of the retaining ring 42 and the washers 44 serve to effectively retain the sealing devices and the leather rings 39 in position and yet prevent the leather from rolling back against the cylinder wall upon reciprocation of the piston. Such a rolling back wouldv` cause a binding of the cylinder with respect to the piston, similar to the action of a ball in a ball clutch and would soon wear out the parts, in addition to causing excessive and unnecessary friction. The spiral springs 43 assist in maintaining the bent-over portions of the leather ring in ilid tight engagement with the walls 28 of the cylinders.

A crank shaft 46 extends across the casting I2 and through the vertical passageway I4 through which iiuid enters the metering apparatus. Shaft 46 has flattened portions near each end rand has secured thereto the two crank arms 41 and 48 to connect to the connecting rods 31. One crank 'pin 38 carried by its arm 41 has the end of its connecting rod 31 engaged therewith, with no provisionfor adjustment or calibration. Provision is made for calibration and adjustment of the meter by radial movement by the other crank pin 38, by the following construction:

Referring to Figure -1 it will be seen that the crank arm 48 is provided with a slot 49 in which is positioned the crank pin 33. Crank pin 38 is carried by its crank arm 52 having a shaft 53 supported by an eccentric bushing 54 carried by removable closure plate 55. Closure plate 55 has an inwardly extending boss 66 supporting a concentric bushing 56 for receiving the eccentric bushing 54. It will be seen from Figure 1 that the shaft 53 is in axial alignment with the crank shaft 46. Thus rotation of the eccentric bushing 54 will have the effect of moving the crank pin 38 radially with respect to the crank shaft 46 to thereby vary the rotation imparted to crank shaft 46 in response to reciprocation of one piston 29.

In order to adjust the eccentric bushing, shaft 53 is threaded on its outer end for the reception of two lock nuts 51 and is further provided with a slot in which the tongue of Washer 58 is slidably received. As seen in Figure 16, eccentric bushing 54 has a flange 54a on its outer end which engages the end of the concentric bushing 56, bushing 56 being similarly flanged'for.

engagement with a corresponding shoulder on the plate 55. `The inwardly extending boss 60 of plate 55 is provided with an' opening 59, the concentric bushingl 56 being provided with a corresponding opening, whereby the fluid being metered may pass through the openings and effectively lubricate the bearing between the concentric and eccentric bushings. Plate 55 is provided with a threaded cap 6I which normally covers the end of shaft 53 and lock nuts 51, cap 6I beingsecured in fluid tight engagement By the mechanism asabove described, calibration of the meter may be simply and-readily. accomplished without disconnecting the meter and without disassembling the parts., V'and without loss of excessive amounts of the liquid being measured. It is merely necessary to revmove the cap 6I, .loosen the lock nuts 51, and by asuitable wrench which engages over the flattened portions `on the flanged end of eccentric bushing s4, said bushing may be rotated. It will be clear that rotation of ,bushing{54 will either increase or decrease the eccentricity of shaft 53 moving the crank pin 38 radially with respect -to crank shaft 46. When the lock nuts 51 are again tightened theshaft 53 is locked in position to eccentric bushing 54, and these parts rotate together.` An extremely simple and accurate calibrating mechanism is thus provided.

'I'he crank shaft 46 has secured thereto a bevel gear 64 positioned within chamber I4 which drives a meshing gear 65 secured to a shaft 66` extending vertically through a hollow bearing 61. Bearing 61 is threaded into an' opening 94 in a stationary valve member 68 suitably secured to the upper face of. casting I2 by bolts.

At itsupper end shaft 66 has secured thereto a gear 12 by 'a set screw 13 orv by similar means. Gear 12 is in mesh with gear 1 4 vwhich has secured thereto a pinion which meshes with a gear 16 on a shaft 11. Shaft 11 is adapted to receive a pinion 18 (Figure 4) for driving a registering mechanism including dials such as in common use on water meters. The reduction gearing just described transmits directly the rotation of crank shaft mechanism.

The stationary valve plate 68 is shown in detail in Figures 9 and 10. Member 68 is provided with a plane face for engagement with a corresponding upper face of casting I 2. For convenience in castingy the parts and assembling the same, valve member 68 is shown as a separate. casting, but it will be understood that members I2 and 68 couldbe formed integrally. Valve member 68 is provided with a central opening I 69 formed by a cylindrical wall having a flanged upper surface 82 (Figure 9). Surrounding the surface 82 are four arcuate ports 83a, 83h, 83o and 83d defined by radially extending ribs 84 `and an outer circular wall 85. The arcuate port 83a is connected by an opening through Aits side wall to a chamber'86 which extends around arcuate opening 83h but is separated therefrom by a solid wall. Chamber 86 communicates with an arcuate passage way 81 in the lower face of valve member 68. Arcuate opening 83h extends the full depth of station'ary valve member 68 asseen in Figures 9 and 10. Arcuate opening 83o also extends through stationary valve member 68 and communicates with a chamber 88 adjacent chamber 86 but separated therefrom by a solid partition 89. Arcuate opening 83d is similar to 83e and connects with a chamber 92. A flange 93 extends acrossthe bottom of openings 83c and 83d. The opening 94 is threaded for the reception of bearing 61.

` The valve member/68 is assembled with the main casting I2 whereby the bearing 61 extends downwardly into the vertical chamber I4, and arcuate opening 83b is aligned with a portion of the opening v21, th'e closed bottom of. opening 83a closing off the remainder of the opening 21. with chamber 88 is positioned over the opening 22 oi' one chamber I9. Arcuate opening 83d is similarly positioned over opening'22 of the other chamber I9. Arcuate opening- 3a is in communication with opening 28 by way of corresponding and similar opening 81 and chamber 86.

The flow of the liquid through arcuate openings 83a, 83h, 83 and 83d is controlled by a rotary valve 96 pivoted above stationary valve 46 to the registering Opening 83o` which is in communicationV member 68. Rotary valve member 96 is shown in detail in' Figures 11, 12, and 13. As shown, valve 96 comprises a hollow member having two continuous circular surfaces 91 and 98 for engagement with the faces 82 and 85" of the valve member 68. Valve member 96 has a chamber 99, and an arcuate shaped opening |02 communicating with the chamber from the bottom of the valve member. A central opening |03 of the same diameter as opening |09 of stationary memberA 68 communicates with the central chamber 99. Exterior of chamber 99 is an arcuate'; opening |04 which does not communicate with chamber 99. With the exception of the openings |02, |03 and |04, the remainder of the lower face of valve member 96,is plain and is adapted to close the various arcuate openings 83a, 83h, 83e and 83d in order.

Rotary valve member 96 is pivotally supported upon a centrally positioned hollow bushing |06 shown in Figures 14 and 15 which has an upstanding bearing member |01 adapted to engage an opening ||0 of valve 96. Bushing |06 has a plurality of openings |08 communicating with the central hollow portion thereof. Bushing member |06 is adapted to be threadedly engaged with the central opening III .of the casting I2, the unthreaded portion of bushing |06 having a working fit with opening |09 of stationary valve member 68. A flange ||2 on bushing |06 engages the upper surface of valve member 68 and also provides a bearing for rotary valve 96.

Rotary valve member 96 is adapted to be driven by driven gear 14 which is secured to threaded openings H3 (Figure 12)"in the upperl face thereof by -bolts passing through arcuate slots |I4 in the gear.

The meeting surfaces 82 and 85 of stationary valve member 68 and the surfaces 91 and 98 of rotary valve 96 are each provided with a series of pockets H5, and rotary valve 96 is further provided with a lplurality of openings |16, at least two of said openings'ieading from the chamber 99 through the face 91, as seen in Figure I2, and others of said openings passing through the outer rim portion 98 of the rotary valve as seen in Figure 11. When the metering mechanism is inv operation and liquid is passing through the various chambers, the liquid may pass through the openings |I6 'and as the rotary valve 96 turns, a d rop of the liquid is deposited in each pocket H5. The meeting faces 82 and 85, and 91' andv 98 are accurately machined for a close fit andthe liquid in the pockets |I5 forms an efficient seal and anti-friction lubricant between the faces. Openings I I6 supply liquid to the various pockets such that an eilcient thin film is interposed at all times between themoving faces.

Ari enclosing cover ||1 is secureddto the upper face of the casting I2 to form a distributing chamber for liquid being measured and to support the shaft 11 and gear 16. Shaft 11 is surrounded by a suitable packing gland I|8 to prevent leakage of fluid. Cover I1 is provided with an upstanding flange |22, having slots |23 therein in order to obtain access to the packing gland I I8. As seen in Figure/4, the member |22 is provided with an upper surface having arcuate slots |24 therein to which may be bolted the registering dial mechanism ofthe meter.

As previously described, the removal of the cylinder head 23 from the casting `I2 gives access to the wristpins 36 whereby the pistons may be disconnected from their connecting rods.

Furthermore, the casting I2 is provided with.

openings in alignment with the crank shaft 46, one such opening being closed by plate 55 which carried the Calibrating device, previously de; scribed. The other opening in the casting I2 is normally closed by cover |25 secured by suitable bolts. Thus, by removal of the cylinder head 23,

cover |25, and cover plate 55, complete access may be had to the cylinders, whereby the pistons may be disconnected from the connecting rods .at one end, and removed from the casting I2.

Furthermore, the connecting rods 31 may also be removed through the openings covered by members 55 and |25. v

The operation of this embodiment of the invention is as follows: I

The parts are assembled as shown in Figures 1 to 4, with the various cover members secured in fluid tight engagement, and with `the registering mechanism, not shown, secured to member |22 and having a suitable gearing engaged with gear 18. With the inlet and outlet connections connected respectively to supply and outlet pipes, the/ fluid may then be allowed to enter the meter. The pressure of the liquid, will cause reciprocation of the pistons and liquid will pass by inlet connection I3 to vertical chamber I4 and then upwardly into the chamber defined by cover ||1. As the liquid passes through the meter, it may enter the opposite ends ofL the two cylinders which thus act as measuring chambers. It willl be noted that since the connecting rods for the pistons are connected to the crank shaft 46 at 90 angles with respect to each other, there will be no dead center for the meter and the mechanism will start at once irrespective of the position in which the meter was stopped. As the liquid forces the pistons to reciprocate, the crank shaft 46 drives the vertical shaft 66, causing gear 14 and rotary valve 96 to rotate, and causing the shaft 11 to be vrotated to register on the registering mechanism. As valve 96 rotates the port |04 therein registers in succession with the ports 83a, 83h, 83e and 83d of the stationary valve member 68. Liquid may thus enterl the opposite ends of the cylinders by the ported chambers as described. Furthermore. as valve 9.6 rotates, port |02 also registers with openings 83a, 83h, 83e and 83d to allow liquid to pass from the filled ends of the cylinders into the chamber 99 of the valve and then through openings |08 and downwardly into chamber I1, chamber I6, and out of outlet connection I5.

Accurate calibration of the meter may be accomplished by removal of the cap 6|, Figure 1, and rotation of the eccentric bushing 54. This adjustment may be accomplished after the meter has been installed in final position and none of the parts of the meter need be disconnected or disassembled. Drain openings are provided in the casing to allow the liquid therein to escape, when the meter is-to be removed. These openings are provided, two in the cylinder head 23, which are closed by plugs |21, and' twoin casting I2 adjacent the opposite ends of the cylinders and closed by plugs |28, as seen in Figure 1. Furthermore, if service is to be discontinued for any appreciable length of time and 4there is a possibility of the liquid freezing within the meter, the plugs |21 .and out of the meter.

-may enter the measuring chambers.

1'7, wherein the piston |32 is formed in one piece and may be any 'light metal which is non-corrosive in accordance with the liquid to be l metered. The piston |32 has apertured lug |33 projecting forwardly beyond the end thereof for `the reception of the wrist pin 36 which is secured thereto in a manner similar to the previous form of piston described.. Metal sealing 'rings |34 are used with this embodiment, it being understood, however, that the sealing leathers of the preferred form may be used. The hollow or skirt portion of the piston has the walls thereof sloping outwardly and upwardly as seen in Figure 17 whereby the formation of air or gas pockets is avoided. The entering liquid as it arises within the hollow piston will force all of the gas or air ahead of it upwardly surfaces of the piston cause a whirling action of the liquid to thus effectively sweep out all air or gas which might be trapped by sudden ingress of liquid.

This elimination of air or gas pockets is an important lpractical feature of the present invention. If air or gas pockets are retained in the meter, inaccurate metering is inevitable. Due to the varying supply pressures of the liquid any trapped air or gas will change its volume in accordance with the varying pressure, and therefore varying quantities of liquid Furthermore a variation in temperature will change the yvolume of air or gas trapped in a meter,

embodiment is therefore to be considered in al1l respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated bythe appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:-

1. A uid meter comprising a casing having a plurality of ports in one face thereof; a plurality of cylinders in said casing having pistons therein; a rotary valve cooperating with said ports to control the flow of fluid to and from said cylinders; a hollow bearing member pivotally supporting said rotary valve; inletV and Also the various curved said valve drive shaft.

outlet connections .in said casing; the interior of said hollow bearing member forming a discharge chamber, said chamber being connecte to said outlet connection.

2. A fluid meter comprising a casing having a plurality of arcuate ports in one face thereof; a plurality of cylinders in said casing having pistons therein; a rotary valve cooperating with said arcuate ports to control the flow of fluid to and from said cylinders; inlet and outlet connections in said casing; a cover secured to said casing over said valve and defining a uid chamber in communication with one of said connections; and a hollow bearing member pivotally supporting said rotary valve, the interior of said bearing member defining a fluid chamber in communication with the otherof said connections.

3. In a liquidV metering apparatus, means forminga measuring chamber; said means having a surface provided with a series of ports arranged around a common center for the pas- -sage of liquid to and from said measuring chamber; a valve frictionally engaging said surface and rotatable thereover for controlling the passage of liquid through said ports', the meetving faces of said valve and surface being pro- 'circumferentially arranged openings alternately communicating with 4said pockets and withvthe intake or discharge flow during rotation of said valve, thereby supplying metered liquid to said pockets. t

4. A fluid meter comprising a casing having a plurality of cylinders therein, one face .of said casing being plane and having openings therethrough communicating with opposite ends of said cylinders; a piston `in each cylinder; a crank shaft; a piston rod and crank arm connecting veach piston to said crank shaft; a valve seat member having ports therein; a hollow bearing member threadedly engaging said casing and having a shoulder thereon engaging said valve seat member, said valve seat member having a bearing therein and a rotatable valve drive shaft journaled in saidvbearingand driven from said crank shaft; a valve member rotat- WALTER H.. PARKER. NELSON J. SEIBERT. 

